May 23, 2022, Issue 808
Bunn Ramps Up On Amp
In March, Amazon launched the Amp app in beta testing form (CAT 3/8). Available only to those with a referral code or Amazon Music subscription, the app allows users to listen in on live shows or create their own utilizing the Amazon Music catalog. More than two months after launching his own Country Grammar Radio show via Amazon Amp (CAT 3/10), former Mt. Wilson KKGO/Los Angeles personality Graham Bunn tells Country Aircheck why he thinks this could be the next big thing. “This platform feels like a hybrid of streaming Graham Bunn and terrestrial radio, and I hope it continues to grow as a safe place for content creators to help listeners find new music and showcase the artists they love,” says Bunn. Go Ahead Caller: The difference in Amazon’s platform and current shows and podcasts on Apple Music or Spotify is the social component. “We call it bringing an audience member to the stage,” Bunn states. Those tuned in to the show can choose to participate in the conversation live on-air, make song requests and offer feedback. “I also get a lot of DMs during the show from people who are listening,” says Bunn. “If they are too shy to speak on the Amp platform itself, I can still get their input on topics or song suggestions and give them a live shout-out.” The concept of social listening is similar to that of last year’s hot app, Clubhouse (CAW 2/16/21). By building a fanbase and creating an engaging show, content creators can “amp” up their personal brand and grow their show on a social level. During the live show, hosts can also see who in their community is currently listening, which allows for interaction on a person-to-person basis. “Amp combines some of the wonderful things I’ve taken from radio with the freedom of creation,” notes Bunn. His show airs weekdays from 6:30-9:30am PT. “The Amazon Amp team has put together something in this beta launch that is easy to use, and I am able to create my own show each morning in a freeform way without sitting through daily meetings or waiting on a program director to clear me to play new music,” Bunn explains. (continued on page 7)
(Guitar) Pick Me Up: Warner/WAR’s Gabby Barrett with radio partners at the Warner Music Nashville Mile High Guitar Pool Showcase in Denver. Pictured (back, l-r) are KRTY/San Jose‘s Nate Deaton, WSOC/Charlotte‘s John Reynolds, KAJA/San Antonio’s Alek Halverson, KATC/Colorado Springs‘ Bo Jaxon, KYGO/ Denver‘s Brian Michel, iHeart‘s Michael Jordan, iHeartMedia/ Denver’s JoJo Turnbeaugh, KCCY/Colorado Springs’ Shawn Patrick and the label‘s Michael Chase; (front, l-r) the label‘s Anna Cage and Kristen Williams, KNIX/Phoenix‘s Lois Lewis, Barrett, the label‘s Cris Lacy, WUSN/Chicago‘s Marci Braun and KUAD/Ft. Collins, CO‘s Matt Sparx.
Yee Haul – CMA Fest Is Back
Following a two-year postponement, CMA Fest returns to Nashville live and in-person June 9-12. CMA CEO Sarah Trahern offers Country Aircheck a preview: CA: What were some of the major considerations when deciding whether to move forward this year? ST: When we had to postpone in 2020 due to the pandemic, it was all ready to go. Artists Sarah Trahern were booked, vendors were contracted, tickets were sold … only to have to dismantle it. We were a little nervous as we began planning again, but we were hopeful. Of course, we have been
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